McAree is hoping his Swifts can get their season on track with victory over newly-promoted Ards on Wednesday night, but insists he is under no illusions how tough a test lies in wait at Stangmore Park.

“Ards will look at Wednesday’s game as an opportunity to get at Dungannon Swifts,” McAree said.

“They will certainly fancy their chances after picking up a good point against Cliftonville on Saturday.

“So we know how tough it will be, but it is one that we will approach in a positive fashion and try and kick-start our season.

“I was reasonably happy with Saturday’s display against Glentoran, and there are things we can build on.

“There were enough positives to encourage me.”

Last season Dungannon picked up just eight points from their opening 13 games – a woeful return that McAree hopes to avoid this term.

“We don’t want a repeat of last season’s start, but I think we are better equipped to avoid that kind of scenario,” the Swifts boss added.

“We lost our opening game last season against Carrick at Stangmore Park, and we were absolutely abysmal.

“So I will glean the positives from this season’s start. I have a good bunch of lads in there and they are wanting to bounce back. They are all together and determined to turn things around.”